Jaipur-The Pink City

The City of Victory, Jaipur, was founded by Kachhawaha Rajput King, Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727, who ruled from 1699 -1744. His took special interest in the designing, planning and execution of the making of this city. This has been divided into nine blocks, two of which were kept for the city palace and other state buildings. The rest were for the public. The city was encircled by a city wall and seven gates opened in to the city.In 1728 maharaja Jai singh II built the observatory, still one of the main tourist attractions of Jaipur. The old city of Jaipur has neat and broadly laid out avenues, all painted in pink thus giving a magical glow to the city in the evenings. Jaipur has what the most other Indian cities do not have, a combination of cultural and architectural beauty. This is evident in the various historical sites that dot the city. Amongst the most striking monument is the Hawa Mahal. As against the popular belief it is not actually a wind palace, but a sandstone screen, specially built for the ladies of the palace to watch the processions on the roads below, without being seen.Jaipur is also famous for semi-precious stones and the best place to buy them is the Johari Bazar. Miniatures, handicrafts, clothes, Jewellery of silver and Lakh are the other items that can be bought in Jaipur.

Languages Spoken:     Rajasthani, Hindi, English.

Long Distance Code:  +91-141

Importance:                 The pink City and the capital of the state of Rajasthan

Area:                             64.75 Sq.Kms.(Pinkcity:9.8sq.kms.)

Best Time To Visit:      September To March

Jaipur Attractions:

The City Palace:

In the heart of the old city stands the majestic city palace, a former residence of the royal family. It ahs a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The carved arches are supported by grey white marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and colored stones.Two marble elephants guard the entrance. The palace houses a museum with an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs, including swords of different shapes and sizes. Some of them have precious stones embelled handles in gold.The palace has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit acquired by Sawai Jai Singh-II.

Rambagh Palace:

A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a green house, a herbarlum, a museum and a popular sports ground.It was built by Sawai ram singh-II in 1868 A.D. as a famine relief project.Recently the Rabindra Manch with an auditorium, a modern art gallery and an open air theatre has been added to promote the cultural activities.Rambagh palace has now been converted in to a leading Heritage hotel of India. The rooms have an imperial legacy and the hotel has greenery all around. The Chinese room and the swimming pool in this hotel are interesting.

Amber Fort:

A fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, this fort was built by Raja Man singh on the hill side in the 16th century. The construction was started by Raja Mansingh I in 1592 and was completed by his descendant Jai singh I. While the exterior of the fort are rugged, equally bewitching are the interiors where the fusions of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles find ultimate refinement. Painted scenes of hunting and war adorn the wall with precious stones and mirrors set in to the plaster. In the foreground is the Maota Lake giving a magnificent reflection of the Fort.

Jaigarh Fort:

The Jaigarh fort means the fort of Victory. The fort is a rugged structure built in 172 by Sawai Jaisingh. It was the royal treasury for several years. The fort is perched on a cliff and is surrounded by huge battlements and inside walkways offering a stunning view from all sides. The world!¦s largest cannon on wheels, Jaivan is found here. It has 20 feet long barrel and the wheels are 9 feet in diameter.

Nahargarh Fort(Tiger Fort)

A sentinel to the pink city, the Nahargarh fort is situated on the Nahargarh hills about 600 feet above the city. Also known as the Sudarshangarh, this fort, is 6 km North West of the city palace providing stunning view of the city. It was built in 1734 A.D. for the defense of the city by Jai singh II. This is first of the here forts built by the kings of Jaipur. The fort carries many legends and every ruler left his stamp on it by adding to the structures within the fort. In the midst of the lake is a palatial duck blind which was used for shooting parties by the erstwhile royal families. A royal retreat for the Maharanis is also there which was used as a personal treasury for many years.

Hawa Mahal:

The Hawa Mahal is the most important landmark of the city. This honey-combed building, known as the wind palace was originally built to facilitate the women of the royal families to watch the everyday life and the processions held in the pink city, without being seen by the people downstairs. This remarkable structure was built by Sawai Pratap singh in 1799. The outer structure look like a crown (mukut) adorning Lord Krishna!¦s head, as the building is dedicated to the Lord of whom, Sawai Pratap singh was a great devotee. It overlooks one of the main streets, adjoining the outside of the city palace wall, and lies sandwiched between the more prosaic buildings.This five storeyed, pyramid shaped structure is made up of small casements, each with windows arched roofs with hanging carvices, exquisitely modeled and carved. It looks more like a screen than a palace. The top three storeyes are single rooms but at the base are two courtyards. It is a 50 feet high thin shield less than afoot thick. The carved sandstone grills, and domes gives this palace its unique facade. At sunrise the Hawa mahal bathes in the golden light glowing like a gem and is best viewed then.

Jaipur Hotels:

CLARKS AMER

Total Rooms : 216

Star Category : 5

Rajasthan's first 5 Star Hotel is now India's first ISO 9001:2000 certified Deluxe 5 Star Hotel by QSI America Inc., USA.A unique blend of traditions and modern comfort awaits you at the Hotel Clarks Amer. Standard Double Rooms, Deluxe Guest Rooms and Suites, Poolside Barbeque, Golf, Bar, 24-hour Coffee Shop, Shopping Arcades, culinary delights, the ambience and the leisured and royal entertainment keeping with the spirit of Rajasthan, all add up to offer a charming holiday experience at the Pink City.

RAMADA

Total Rooms : 160

Star Category : 5
Located in the business district of the Pink City, Ramada Jaipur Promises international hospitality standards and the best of services, affiliated to Ramada worldwide it is a mid scale brand of Wyndham hotel group which has 10 lodging brands, 6300 properties and presence in 5 continents. Ramada Jaipur ecoes with international standards and trained staff. Business travelers will appreciate the hotel's strategic location to the Jaipur Airport, Train Station and Bus Terminal. "The key to a successful holiday is choice, which is why every action break is tailor-made for you!!" Ramada Jaipur offers 155 guest rooms and 5 suites with contemporary and stylish decor. It is the venue for the latest taste & Ramada Jaipur is owned by Dangayach Group, locally renowned in the field of Real Estate, Hotels, Jewelry and others. Business travellers will appreciate the hotel's strategic location to the Jaipur Airport, Train Station and Bus Terminal. The hotel is 10 minutes from Jaipur Airport, 15 minutes from Railway Station and 15 minutes from Bus Terminal.

CHOKHI DHANI RESORT

Total Rooms : 73

Star Category : 5

Chokhi Dhani Resort literally meaning the "Fine Hamlet" is a 5 star Ethenic resort, the only one of its kind in the country. With quaint mud & thatch dwellings set in sprawling acreage of land, it has 65 cottages, 8 Haveli Suits, 2 Conferences Halls, Chaupal, Chandi Mahal Bar and Bindola Multi-cuisine restaurant.

SHIV VILAS

Total Rooms : 96

Star Category : 5

The Shiv Vilas Resort has been specially built on "The Palace Theme' with the feeling of giving the "Best to the Guest" A heavy mix of romance and grandeur, it promises to offer a never before leisure and luxury with breathtaking interior and magnanimous architecture. This resort is simply a paradise on earth.Set in a beautiful landscape of Aravali mountain range, the majestic Shiv Vilas Resort is a masterpiece of architecture is an ultimate magnificence built on "Palace Theme" with world class modern hi-tech amenities. It is attracting global leisure & business Tourists from all over the world. Its easy to approach location is another big advantage.The royal ambience, the intricate craftsmanship and beautiful landscape makes it the most preferred destination in the itinerary of tourists. A visual delight for holiday maker, it revives the gracious life style of India's legendary Rajput Princes.

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Manali

The picturesque hill town of Manali is sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of India, as it is surrounded by mountains on the three sides and has some of the most beautiful meadows, orchards, rivers and fields in Himachal Pradesh. Though discovered by the British and Europeans in the late 19th century, Manali had always been one of the pilgrimage sites in India. It derives its name from Manvalaya or Manuwali. The legend goes like that of the Joan's ark. Long long ago the sage Manu, the divine law writer in Hindu mythology, found a fish who asked him to build a huge ship to save the world from the terrible flood that would drown the land. Manu did so and when the water receded, the place he landed was today's Manali. The life started from this place. Therefore the place was known as Manvalaya that is the abode of Manu or Manuwali meaning Manu's. But it was only in the 1970s that the government realized its potential as growing tourist destination. That gave rise to the new town of Manali, which was linked with the old by a bridge. Today, Manali still maintains its charm and beauty despite the heavy tourist traffic. Manali is a hot spot throughout the year. It is at its best in the spring when the River Beas gushes through, the streams flow at every nook and corner, the meadows are lush and green, flowers bloom everywhere and various berries, raspberries and cherries start wearing the pink colour. The winters are no less when the green turn white and people from India come to experience the snow in the crisp cold. Pine forest all around, acres of verdant landscapes, grazing herds, apple orchards and the people with their smile and folk dances and song add to the mystic romance that Manali offers.

Apart from the beautiful nature Manali has many things to offer. Manali is the point to start trekking, learn skiing, go bird watching, do river rafting, go mountaineering and from Manali one can cycle up to the hilly regions of Leh in Ladakh. Manali offers great variety of food. Along with local preparation of Lentils and rice and rotis, the typical Tibetan thukpa and other dishes are famous in Manali. It is also a shopper's paradise where one can buy ample variety of woolen items and handicraft items made of wood.

 

Places to see in Manali :

Beas Kund:

Further ahead is the Beas Kund. The tiny roundish igloo like stone hut shelters the Beas Kund, the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows at the source of the river likfe a spring, so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and sundry try to brave the wind on a clear sunny day.

Solang Nala

To reach the closest glacier to Manali, Solang Nala around 15 kms Manali one has to pass through the road that actually has many turns. Solang Nala is the picturesque village with icy slopes those can be seen throughout the year.

Vashist Springs

At about half an hour’s brisk walking distance from town, there are sulphur springs-gush, hot and medicinal - emerging out of the mountains at Vashisht. Here, in a bath complex with a restaurant and a beautiful view, couples can soak in the privacy of their own sunken bath, warming all kinds of ailments out of their systems.

Rohatang Pass

The Rohatang Pass situated about 52 km from Manali town at an altitude of 3980m is the place one has pass through to reach Keylong or to Lahaul and Spiti. Full of snow throughout the year it supposed to be a difficult pass to go through. The trek to Rohatang starts from a small village of Marhi near the pass. The Sonapani glacier is clearly visible from the Rohatang pass on a clear day.

Hadimba Temple

This is probably the only place in India where a lady of a demon origin is worshipped as a goddess. It is said that when the Pandava brothers were wandering, they came across a demon called Hidamb. He was killed by one of the strongest of the five, Bhim. His strength and valour overpowered Hidamba, Hidamb's sister and she got married to him. She washed her sins following strict rituals and meditation and thus she attained the level of Goddess. Hidamba belonged to this region and hence the temple is here. The beautiful wooden temple in Pagoda style architecture has beautiful and intricately carved figurines on the doorway. The temple is 500 years old and there is no idol enshrined inside and only a foot-print on a stone is kept to worship. Every year in the month of May there is a major fair celebrating the goddess's birthday is held here.

Arjuna Cave

4 kms from Manali near the village of Perini is the Arjuna cave. It is said that Arjuna wanted the weapon from the king of the Gods Indra and he chose this place to meditate and please Indra to acquire the weapon. The place offers a charming panoramic view of the hills and the mountains around.

How To Get There:

Air:

The nearest airport to Manali is that of Bhuntar, which is 52-km from Manali. From Bhuntar one can take a taxi or a bus to Manali.

Rail:

The nearest railhead is that of and this narrow gauze railway station is 95-km from Kullu. The scenic beauty of Kullu while going to Manali can best be enjoyed on a bus or a taxi. It is better to take a taxi, which one can stop and enjoy the nature at will.

Road:

The road to Manali passes through the picturesque valley of Kullu. The motorable roads to Manali connect the town with other major tourist places in Himachal as well as in the nearby states. At the Manali bus stand there are two booths, which do computerised reservation for buses. The reservations can be made one month in advance. Both private and state government buses are in service over here.

 

Climate Conditions:

In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy wollens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended.

Where to stay:

QUALITY INN RIVER COUNTRY RESORT

Total Rooms : 54
Star Category : 3

Located at the highest point, every room comes with a picturesque view of the snow-clad Rohtang Pass. The hotel is within walking distance to shops and places of historical and tourist interest.Quality Inn River Country Resort in Manali is the newest luxury resort of Manali. Located off the main crowded Mall Road overlooking the River Beas and the hills beyond, this is an exclusive hotel. It is only when you walk into the hotel that River Country Resort’s elegant world comes into view— large as life windows suffuse the lobby with lights, three very busy restaurants lie right ahead and an informal reception— devoid of gigantic desks and wooden faces, welcomes you! The interiors are uplifting in their colours, design and execution. A touch of understated elegance is all pervasive. It is one of the best Honeymoon resorts in Manali to begin a new life.

SAROVAR PORTICO MANALI

Total Rooms : 43

Star Category : 3

Sarovar Portico,Manali marks our presence in the hills. It is situated on the banks of the Manalsu River, below Manali village and next to the temple of Manu Maharaj. It has 43 rooms and suites.

STERLING DAYS INN MANALI

Total Rooms : 74

Star Category : 3

Sterling Manali is located in lush green terraced environs, cradled in the snowcapped Himalayan Mountains which provides ample opportunities for trekking. The Rohtang Pass, the Rahla Falls, Beas Kund, Solang Valley and the Brighu Lake are all worth a visit. Other sight seeing places include Hadimba Devi Temple, Vashist Kund and the Dhoongri Temple.

APPLE COUNTRY RESORT

 

Total Rooms : 39

Star Category : 3

Set at the highest point in Manali. The resort is a place where time stands still. Where you can bask in the sunshine or relax in the shade. And the rules are all your own. A place where you can find peace within. Where you lose yourself in the beauty of nature. And if you listen carefully you can hear your soul.

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Shimla

Shimla

Pine forests and apple orchards, crisp, clean air and breathtaking views - that's Shimla in a nutshell. One of the most famous tourist destinations of India, Shimla is located in Himachal Pradesh the district of Shimla has amazingly beautiful forests of firs, pines, oaks and rhododendron. The beautiful meadows with hyacinth, celandine, asphodel, climb gently up to the deodar forests and further up to rocky and snowy peaks of the Himalayas This beautiful hill station derives its name from "Goddess Shyamla", who is supposed to be an avatar of Goddess Kali. This lovely hill station was 'discovered' by the British who immediately fell in love with this place. Infact, they went to the extent of declaring Shimla as their summer capital. Shimla abounds in natural bounty and looks picture perfect. The small hill station amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges, surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures look as though an artist has painted them.

Shimla Attractions:

Himachal State Museum & Library:

This museum is indisputably one of the prime tourist attractions in Shimla and remains open to the public except on Mondays and public holidays. This museum houses a fine collection of antique sculptures, paintings, coins, photos and other items not only from the state but also outside it. You will also find a library here which houses several historical books and manuscripts.

Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens:

Also famous as “Rashtrapati Niwas”, it is a spectacular building located on the Observatory Hills and was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. Its construction was accomplished in the year 1888 and every brick for the building was carried by mules according to the sources. The massive six-story building is surrounded by well manicured gardens and lawns.

Mall Road Shimla

One place that you cannot ignore is definitely the Mall Road in Shimla. Located at the heart of the town, the Mall Road in Simla is one of the busiest commercial areas of this place. Built by the British during the colonial rule in India, the Mall Road was constructed keeping in mind the traffic on this route.

Shimla Ridge

Located in the heart of Shimla is the famous tourist attraction known as The Ridge. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge.

Summer Hill

The Summer Hill is located at a height of 1283 meters above sea level. This charming spot is famous for its university of Himachal Pradesh that is located here. It is said that Mahatma Gandhi used to come to stay here during his visit to Shimla.

The Toy train

With the honour of placing itself in the Guinness Book of Rail facts and Feats, the toy train deserves a bigger name! The toy train to Kalka and Shimla is one out of 20 vintage mountain railways running in the world. Mastermind of Lord Curzon, this narrow gauge train covers the distance of 96 kms in six hours going through 103 tunnels, 969 bridges with 919 curves, 20 railway stations and 5 level crossings on the route. The train started running in 1904 A.D. and is an engineering marvel. Going through the most picturesque mountains and valleys, the traveller seldom remembers the slow pace of the train. The longest tunnel that it passes through is around 6000 feet with the immediate next follows which is a kilometre long.

Where to Stay:

THE OBEROI WILDFLOWER HALL

Total Rooms : 87

Star Category : 5

Situated at 8,350 feet in the magnificent Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a fairytale luxury resort set in 23 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. The former residence of Lord Kitchener, rebuilt to a new magnificence, Wildflower Hall recreates the grand style of the colonial era. Enjoy beautiful views of mountains and valleys from the rooms, restaurants, outdoor Jacuzzi and the heated swimming pool. Nature lovers can explore the Himalayas and enjoy adventure sports. For the ultimate in pampering our luxury spa pavilions are tranquil havens for revitalizing the body and soul.

TOSHALI ROYAL VIEW RESORT

Total Rooms : 77

Star Category : 4

An ideal getaway from the humdrum of city life, Toshali Royal View stands majestically on the fringe of a beautiful triangle of Shimla, Chail and Kufri on the Kufri-Chail Road. One of the most picturesque hill resorts in Himachal Pradesh, Toshali Royal View Resort has the advantage of being located in a tranquil, pollution-free zone.

WELCOM HERITAGE WOODVILLE PALACE

Total Rooms : 31

Star Category : 2.5

The estate on which Woodville palace has been built was first occupied in 1865 by Sir William Mansfield, Commander in Chief of the Imperial Army. The palace was reconstructed in 1938 by the Rana of Jubbal, who brought in hundreds of expert artisans from far and wide to ensure the highest quality of craftsmanship. Raj Kumar Udai Singh of Jubbal, his grandson, opened a part of the mansion as a guest house in 1977. Shimla, at 7000 ft, straddling several hills and surrounded by pine forests and apple orchards, was once the summer capital of the British Imperial Government. It is, to date, one of North India's most popular hill stations and has burgeoned far beyond the days when it was a little hill town with just a Mall and a scattering of summer residences

RADISSON JASS HOTEL

Total Rooms : 59
Star Category : 5

Radisson Jass Hotel, a 5 star hotel is nestled in the scenic locales of Shimla in a quaint location. A proud member of the 400 strong Radisson group of hotels, it's un-matched services and state of the art facilities offer guests a perfect abode in the hills. It is ten minutes walking distance from the Ridge / Scandal Point at Shimla. The facilities ensure an especially comfortable and relaxing stay for the guests. Most of the rooms afford a spectacular view of the magnificent mountains and breathtaking valleys and overlook the dense forests below.

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